Building Interest
Keynote speakers, talks with working engineers, design challenges with real prizes, and hands-on demonstrations in schools and libraries.
How We Build Interest
Introducing Students to Biomedical Engineering
Young Medical Engineers is a nonprofit founded and run by high school students. We introduce students to one of the most important fields in modern medicine, and we support them with free tutoring in the courses that lead into it.
- Free. Always.
- Founded and run by students
- Online and in person
Who We Are
Young Medical Engineers was founded in 2026 by two students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and is now led by a board of nine. Most students never encounter biomedical engineering until college, if they encounter it at all. We make the field visible through keynote speakers, design challenges, and hands-on demonstrations, and we support interested students with free tutoring in the science and math that lead into it.
What We Do
Our programs serve two purposes: introducing students to biomedical engineering, and supporting those who decide to pursue it. A third effort helps students bring YME to their own schools.
Supporting Students
Free, one-on-one tutoring in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, from students who are a few steps further along.
About Free TutoringExpanding Our Reach
Any student can start a chapter at their own school. We provide a guide, connections to our volunteers, and a small startup grant.
Start a ChapterFree. Always.
Every program we offer is free, and it always will be. The only requirement is to sign up.
Read Our MissionOur Impact So Far
Young Medical Engineers launched in 2026. We would rather report accurate figures than inflated ones, so these numbers will grow as we host events and work with more students.
43
Students Reached
Students who have joined a talk, demonstration, design challenge, or tutoring session since our launch.
25
Active Students
About 25 students are currently working with a tutor or taking part in our programs.
$255
Raised So Far
Every dollar goes back into free programs: hosting speakers, running tutoring, and funding design challenge prizes.
Get Involved
Every program we run is free because people give their time and support. Tutor a student, give a talk about your work, judge a design challenge, or make a gift that keeps our programs free.
- Students: request a free tutor.
- Teachers and librarians: request a talk or demonstration.
- Want a chapter at your school? Tell us.